Who Is The Authority On Attic Ventilation Codes and Compliance?

Are you feeling lost while trying to sort through long, confusing resources about attic ventilation? Do you feel uncertain about who to turn to for reliable information on attic ventilation?

At RoofSmart, we do not just focus on your roof. During our thorough inspection process, one of our meticulous roofing nerds examines the areas in and around each customer’s roof. This includes attics, ceilings, siding, and gutters. As a result, we can catch issues in these areas that would otherwise cause expensive damage to your roof later on.

We are one of the few roofing companies in the Greater Seattle area that will look at your attic ventilation and determine if it is up to code.

In this article, you’ll learn where attic ventilation code comes from and how you can find a roofing contractor that is knowledgeable about the subject. By the end, you’ll understand where attic ventilation code requirements come from and know how to find roofing contractors who have the qualifications to help you fix your attic’s ventilation issues.

Who creates the attic ventilation code?

The attic ventilation code is outlined in Chapter 8 of the International Residential Code, which contains the code requirements for properly building each section of a residential building.

The International Residential Code is created by the International Code Council. This council has created many different codes. For example, there is also a code for commercial buildings, fire safety, and proper plumbing practices.

The International Code Council is recognized around the world as the leading authority on building codes. In the U.S., every state has adopted it and follows the updates that the council provides every year.

It explains the minimum code requirements needed to meet the International Code Council’s standards of safety and functionality. Contractors must at the very least meet these requirements, but they can include additional safety measures if needed.

Are there any attic ventilation requirements specific to Seattle or King County?

The International Residential Code is used internationally, so it is not specific to any location. There are no added requirements to the attic ventilation code by Washington State or counties in the Greater Seattle area. Contractors in King County or the Greater Seattle area can take extra precautions based on issues residents regularly experience due to the wet, rainy climate, but they do not have to.

For example, the code requires that attics have one square foot of attic ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic space. However, it does not have specific requirements about how much intake or exhaust ventilation to include.

So, if your contractor wants to be extra careful to ensure that your attic has an exact balance between intake and exhaust ventilation they can choose to do that. This would help to make sure that your attic and roof have consistent airflow that prevents moisture from building up. But it is not required.

Who can help me make sure my attic’s ventilation meets code requirements?

The architect who built your house and the inspector who approved it were responsible for ensuring that your home met code requirements. However, the IRC gets updated frequently enough that many areas of your home probably do not meet the requirements anymore.

If you’re worried about your attic ventilation not meeting requirements, then you’ll need to hire a building science engineer or consultant to help you calculate how much ventilation is needed. Then, you’ll need to hire a roofing contractor to fix it.

Unfortunately, most roofers do not focus on attic ventilation so you’ll likely have to bring in a third-party consultant to help with the ventilation issues. Only some roofers are knowledgeable about attic ventilation.

How can I find a roofer that I can trust to provide proper ventilation?

In order to find a roofer who is qualified to help you with your ventilation issues, you’ll want to check out their website and talk to them about your ventilation needs. Doing these two things will help you determine if they have enough experience with ventilation:

• First, go on their website and see if they talk about ventilation at all. It might be listed as a service they offer, or maybe they have articles discussing attic ventilation. These are both good signs.
• We’d also recommend scheduling a roof inspection or giving the roofing company a call and asking them about ventilation and how they would assess your roof’s ventilation needs. Most roofers only deal with exhaust ventilation because they install ridge cap during the roofing process. So, if they do not mention intake ventilation, that is a red flag.

And, if your roofer only discusses ridge vent but does not discuss how much your roof needs, then it is likely that they did not do the math to calculate it and that they were not considering intake ventilation.

This means that the roofer is just focused on installing the shingles. They might do a great job with that, but if your attic ventilation is not working right, then eventually it will cause problems in your roof.

Why is intake ventilation important in an attic?

It is common for roofers who are not familiar with proper attic ventilation practices to try to solve ventilation issues by adding more exhaust ventilation.

However, this is not helpful if no air is getting in because the intake ventilation is blocked or messed up. If air can’t get in, then you will not have good airflow in your attic, which will lead to issues like premature deterioration of the shingles or mold.

This is also why it’s important to balance your attic ventilation and have an even amount of intake and exhaust. A roofer that is willing to go beyond the minimum legal code requirements to balance your ventilation is a good option for addressing your ventilation needs.

An attic with balanced ventilation will have excellent airflow and is less likely to cause problems down the line.

Know Who to Trust for Your Attic Ventilation Needs

Attic ventilation is more than a building code requirement; it’s essential for maintaining a durable and healthy home. Navigating attic ventilation requirements can be daunting, but understanding the authorities behind the codes and finding a qualified roofer doesn’t have to be.

By relying on trusted resources like the International Code Council and working with knowledgeable contractors, you can ensure your attic meets the latest standards and keeps your home safe.

Want to learn more about attic ventilation code in the Greater Seattle area? Check out our article “What Are Seattle’s Attic Ventilation Code Requirements?” to understand what ventilation should look like in your attic.